Top December Employee

Social Worker in the Needs Assessment Unit (NAU), Matthew Hylton gets the job done with a level of service and professionalism that has earned him the title Most Customer Oriented in his department.

Another attribute that swayed the Deputy Governor to name Mr. Hylton the most valuable core government employee for December is his able mentoring of the department's clients and his own colleagues.

Often in desperate need of help, and invariably stressed and frustrated, the NAU's clients can demonstrate aggressive behaviour towards its staff. This is where Mr. Hylton's caring and respectful yet firm approach puts clients and colleagues at ease even during difficult times. He takes special pride in treating everyone with respect, regardless of their circumstances. This trait in turn earns him the respect of all those he deals with.

A highly proficient mediator, his skill in defusing tough situations has led to many of the department's clients requesting that he deal with them directly, his nominator emphasises.

Equally admirably, he unhesitatingly goes beyond the call of duty to offer clients extra counselling to empower them, including about better budget management, and to enhance the quality of their lives. His expertise and ability to help are so well-known outside his department that other government agencies frequently seek his assistance.

Not a clock-minder, Mr. Hylton works well beyond normal work hours, yet finds time to assist other team members who are falling behind in their work. He even gives up his own personal time to allow other team members time off, all with a view to preventing burn-out from their challenging work-load.

Congratulating Mr. Hylton, Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson, commented that the officer's work ethics and skills make him a prime example of a dedicated civil servant, worthy of emulation by his peers and younger employees in the public service.

Lauding the entire department for their hard work, the Deputy Governor emphasised that the focus behind the awards is to highlight exceptional civil servants who do a great job.

In response, Mr. Hylton said, "This is an entirely unexpected honour. But I believe this is an honour for NAU and all our staff. As civil servants, we do our duty to the best of our abilities. To be recognised for that is an enormous honour and immensely motivating. I am deeply grateful for being nominated and selected for the award."